All of tatting is done with a basic double-stitch. Once this is mastered, the patterns are endless.

First half of double-stitch
Step 2: Pass shuttle over back of hand.

Step 3: Bring shuttle up between first finger and middle finger with circle thread on top of shuttle and going between circle thread and just wrapped thread.

Step 4: Tuck in little finger and ring finger to palm of hand to hold circle thread. Bend middle finger slightly allowing threads to slip off. Holding circle threads securely between thumb and first fingers of left-hand, snap shuttle thread tight making a straight line between thumb and shuttle. The loop will flip (jump) from the shuttle thread to the circle thread.

Step 5: Keeping shuttle thread pulled tightly, gently straighten out middle finger, loosely picking back up the circle thread and gently sliding that loop down between thumb and first finger of left-hand. Grasp it securely.

Test: The circle thread should move freely through the loop. On your left-hand, use the last two fingers to adjust the circle thread to a size that is comfortable around your fingers. You will constantly be adjusting the size of the circle thread and testing to be sure the stitches move on the circle thread.